Lhasa Apso Grooming

Grooming and maintaining a Lhasa Apsos show coat requires a great deal of work and commitment. Lhasas show coats can't "wait until you have time" or "feel like getting around to it." A regular routine is the only way to keep a Lhasas coat in top condition. After each session of dematting you will notice a loss of coat. After several of these sessions you've acquired a real problem. Your coat will begin to take on that "novice" look and will not be as competitive with the glorious coats of professional and veteran exhibitors.

If you have a busy schedule, include regular grooming in your daily routine. A twenty minute to half hour session several times a week will save you a great deal more time and coat than a once a week or every other week routine. Not only is this a time saver, but it can also be a source of great relaxation after a long hard day. It also gives you and your dog some special time together each day for socialization and bonding.

Remember, there is no substitution for good grooming habits. Once a hair is lost, it take 12 to 18 months to regrow to full length. Think about that the next time you have a brush full.

To keep the Lhasa coat static free, do not allow your Lhasa on your carpeting if he has house privileges since carpet is a great conductor of electricity. When doing your Lhasa's bedding or laundry, try doubling the amount of unscented fabric softener.

Brushing

Brushing should be the first part of your daily routine. To do this, it's best to have the dog lie on his side. At first, the dog will resist, but be firm. This gives you the opportunity to make sure that the undercoat is free of mats. Start by brushing all the hair back with your soft pin brush. Do not tug or pull. Now sparay the coat lightly with a mixture of one part cream rinse and eight parts water in a sparay bottle. To brush the dog, start section by section. First work near the front of the dog making special attention to the front paws and stomach. Brush a small amount of hair down at a time until all the hair is completed. Turn the dog on the other side and do the same thing with that side.

Cleaning the eyes and brushing around the eyes and mustache is even more important part of the daily grooming than brushing of the rest of the dog's body. A small comb should be used around the eyes to remove any accumulations of hair that could cause tearing. Do it as slowly and carefully as possible to prevent scratching the eyes. The best way is to hold the head firmly under the chin by holding some hair. This important to keep the head steady. Check the eyes. If there is some cloudiness in the pupil, or the white of the eye seems red, consult your veterinarian immediately.